Salute for long-serving officers

Sergeant Bill Henem from the Bomana Police Training College is one of seven long-serving officers who has been awarded a certificate of appreciation.
He served 44 years and the seven did a total of 299, each being in the force for more than 40 years. Their long service and loyalty were acknowledged at a parade last Friday.
“Seeing recruits passing out from time to time here at the college has inspired me a lot and has always given me the reason for being happy, knowing that passing-outs from the college was an outcome of our work,” Henem said.
“It confirms that our efforts in shaping them did not go for nothing.”
Henem joined the Royal Papua  New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) on Sept 25, 1973. After finishing his six months’ basic recruit training, Henem was posted to public safety in Boroko, NCD.
In 1975, he was transferred back to Bomana Police Training College to run the catering section. During the same year, Henem was offered a scholarship to take up catering courses. This led to his shift to the Madang police station to manage the police mess.
Henem has served in other provinces, PNG, undertaking the role of officer in-charge of catering in police messes before he moved back to the training college in 1984.
He has also played the role of a purchasing officer attached to the police headquarters at one stage.
Henem said it was an honour to have served PNG through the force.
He thanked training commander Peron N’Dranou and the rest of the management and staff of the force for the parade and certificate.
N’Dranou said the parade was to  recognise the loyalty and dedicated service of the seven college staff.
The officer acknowledged were Chief Inspector Ambros Igak (42 years), Inpector Joeseph Wate (40 years), Inspector Robson Silinzu (43 years), Chief Sergeant Peali Siboko (47 years), Chief Sergeant Zeamo Eru Seyuawa (42 years), Chief Sergeant Sam Oba (41 years) and Hanam (44 years).
N’Dranou said when he first came in to the college, some of the officers asked to leave, saying that their time was up. N’Dranou told them that as long as he was the commander, he was not releasing them  and asked them to help him serve the college for a few more years.
He said the seven men not only served as trainers in the college but were like fathers to many who later passed out.
“You were not only trainers and servicemen to the training college but you were also parents.  We thank you for a job well done, and continue to have confidence in you in your few final years of service,” N’Dranou said.